June 1, 2018

Welcoming new citizens to America Memorial Day Weekend by Michelle Libby

Last Friday, May 25th, in the fourth annual Memorial
Day Weekend Naturalization Ceremony hosted by the American Legion Auxiliary
Unit 148, 27 people representing 19 countries became citizens of the United
States of America.

The citizens had to go through classes and
rigorous screenings to make it to that day. The introduction was given by Kim
Colson-Hoffman, Immigration Services Officer and Army veteran.

“Many of you fled hardship and sacrifice.
Each of you chose to make America your adopted home,” she told the audience.

American Legion Post 148 Color Guard
presented the colors and led the “National Anthem,” which was sung by the
Windham Third Grade Chorus, under the direction of American Legion Auxiliary
member and music teacher Nancy Cash-Cobb. The chorus also sang “I’m an
American” by Rick Charette and “Everyday Heroes” by Dave Carroll.

“It’s a privilege and an honor for me,”
said Wade Campbell from Jamaica. “I’ve lived here for the past couple of
years.”

Most of the citizens brought family
members and friends to help mark the day. Egide Mucowingabo, a military
veteran, brought his friend to record the entire ceremony.

“I’m so glad. I’m so happy to be an
American soldier,” he said.

Welcoming remarks were given by Rebecca
Cummings, an Army Veteran, a member of the American Legion Post 148 and a
Windham Town Councilor. She began with greeting people in their native
languages. “I am so excited that this weekend, when we’re remembering soldiers
of the past, that we’re welcoming new citizens.”Cummings’s biggest message to the new
citizens was to not lose who they are and what they want to become. “Anything
you wish to achieve is achievable. We welcome you to this country and wish you
all the best,” she added.

The day was extra special for Cummings, as
one of the families from the East End Community School where she is a nurse was
naturalized.

“It’s nice for them to see me outside the
school. They see American’s wear many hats,” she said.

“The foundation of our country is not built
on the towering figure of history,” he said. “Hope for change is made possible
by one person, courageous enough to stand for country, community and family.”

The most important part of the day for
Henrietta Schmalzel from Hungary was: “To be united with the family. To be free.
To enjoy the great opportunity,” she said. Her husband and son are both
Americans and it was important to her to be able to say she’s American as well.
“This is my home now. I’m excited.”

Windham Christian Academy student Briana
Johnson read her award-winning essay “America: Our hope for the future”
followed by James Mannette, a Windham High graduate who will be leaving for the
Air Force Academy in June, read his award-winning essay “My vision for
America.” “Veterans are some of our most heroic citizens,” he said.

The Third Grade Chorus led the first
recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance before the citizens were dismissed.

The ceremony meant a lot to Josue Parra,
who came to America from Ecuador in 1999. “It’s everyone’s dream to become a
citizen,” he said.

At the end of the ceremony, The League of
Women Voters registered the new citizens to vote.